Tell us about yourself is a question that often leaves so many dumbfounded. This is not because they don't know about themselves, its because the question has a way of making you feel you empty yet full.

It makes you feel so little and yet big, it makes you realize your so much more than you thought you are but you're just realising it and don't know where to start from. All the question needs is an answers which is so complete and yet brief.

While alot of people have rehearsed lines they should use whenever the question is asked, others feel it should be reframed Everytime there is a change.

I was watching a man perform on America's Got Talent, and I realized that the song he sang wasn't amazing by many standards, but the crowd wept and loved every minute of it. Don't get me wrong, he could sing, yes, but nothing unlike what we see on the show. So, why was the crowd so moved?

When he got on stage, he was asked his name, and was asked, "tell us about yourself", so he did. That was why. He told the judges how he had spent 34 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, and was only recently released after new forensic technology produced evidence which exonerated him. As he spoke, and recounted his ordeal, he cried, the crowd cried, the judges cried.

When he was finally asked to sing, that whole background gave the song more meaning, more depth; it explained more and the song gained richness against the backdrop of his experiences. The crowd loved it, and so did the judges. It wasn't the song in itself, it was his background, his backstory that lent beauty and meaning to his song.

In the last two weeks, I have had the opportunity to interview some people for some roles.

Here's my thought: whether you are at a formal interview, or it's just a chat, as executives usually have, there is that point at which you are asked the question, "tell me/us about yourself".

It is the moment you sell yourself. That is your opportunity to tell your story, to tell how and why you are best suited for the role. It is you chance to tell your "34-years-in-prison" story that sells you, your skill, experience, and value. A lot of candidates miss this opportunity, and tell where their from, children, family, primary school, etc. It is the opportunity that sets the backdrop for the rest of your interview or chat.

Many interviewers make their decision from how well you take advantage of this opportunity. When you are preparing for a chat or interview proper, remember that this is perhaps the most important part of the whole process. So, the next time you hear the words, "tell me/us about yourself", know that you have been given an opportunity to seize the day, and justify why you are there. The floor is yours.